Abstract

[Summary]:
The effect of dehorning Brahman crossbred cattle of four age groups on their subsequent bodyweight performance was monitored in 4 drafts of cattle between 1975 and 1980. During the 6 weeks following dehorning, bodyweight change of dehorned cattle was less (P < 0.05) than that of horned cattle in half of the groups. There were no differences between treatments, in bodyweight gain to 12 months after dehorning, following any dehorning date or in final bodyweight, for each draft. The data suggest that age of dehorning is not critical.